With a headline like this, you’re bound to get some interest south of the border
The Belfast Telegraph’s lead story this morning is one that Republic of Ireland fans may find a little bit odd.
Belfast Telegraph front page Thursday March 3, 2016 #NINews pic.twitter.com/iNi3V7p5Zj
— Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) March 3, 2016
Last month we brought you the news that the players who will feature in our two friendlies this month will wear a special crest remembering the 1916 Rising.
Just under 5 weeks to go to #IRLvSWI on #goodfriday #1916-2016 @AVIVAStadium
Will you be there? #COYBIG #Eire2016 pic.twitter.com/mBRMRMJJCQ
— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) February 20, 2016
Many fans thought it was a nice touch and the jerseys with the special crest will not be available to the public as they are just a twice-off for the games.
However a Belfast politician, who is a member of the Northern Assembly at Stormont, claims that the jersey is perpetuating the violent history of the IRA, and their actions in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
DUP MLA Nelson McCausland feels, by sanctioning the jersey to be worn, the FAI are directly endorsing the violence that affected Dublin 100 years ago, and supporting the terrorist motives and actions of a minority since.
“The uncritical endorsement of the Easter rebellion by the government and others in the Irish Republic, including the FAI, reinforces a republican narrative which has, down through the years, drawn young people into the IRA and other republican terrorist organisations.”
Ireland play Switzerland on Good Friday and then play Slovakia the Tuesday after Easter Monday, with both games at the Aviva.
McCausland feels the action of the rebels in 1916 inspired subsequent violence in Northern Ireland, and he cannot believe the FAI have allowed their crest to be changed to remember the events in Dublin 100 years ago.
“The people of Northern Ireland have suffered and continue to suffer from the violence of those who see themselves as the successors of the 1916 rebels.”
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